City Times Staff

The League of Women Voters in Stevens Point has cancelled a primary forum designed to question candidates running for county treasurer.

The forum was called off after Portage Co. Treasurer Stephanie Stokes “declined to participate”, according to a news release from Jo Seiser, co-chair of voter services for LWV.

Challenger Tom Mallison did plan to attend the event, Seiser said.

Mallison is a supervisor on the Portage Co. Board. Stokes, who was not immediately available for comment, was first elected to the treasurer’s office in 2003. Both are running as Democrats and will be on the Aug. 9 primary ballot.

The third candidate for office, Jeff Presley, is running as an Independent and will not appear on the ballot until the general election in November.

A forum will be held for candidates of the State Assembly’s 72nd District, which includes townships of Almond, Pine Grove and Grant in Portage County. Candidates are David Gorski and Russell Brown, both Democrats. The winner will challenge incumbent Republican Scott Krug in November.

The forum will be in the Point library on Monday July 25, 2016 at 6 PM, where candidates will answer questions prepared for them in advance.

The Portage Co. Library is located at 1000 Main Street. The event is open to the public.